José de Nebra (1702-1768) Christmas Responsoires 

It is surprising that the work of José de Nebra, the most important Spanish composer of the mid-18th century whose manuscripts are scattered throughout archives in Spain and America, is so popular. He was one of the organists at the Spanish Royal Chapel from 1724, becoming deputy master in 1751. Following the ban on performing Christmas carols at the royal institution in 1750, he composed several series of Christmas responsories for the Matins ceremony. La Grande Chapelle's performance features the complete 1752 series, which is undoubtedly one of the benchmark works of Spanish Baroque music. The restoration of this piece, following the study and transcription of the various preserved musical sources, represents a premiere of the highest musicological and artistic interest.